Top-Notch Tunes with Sony's WH-1000XM6
Experience auditory bliss and tranquility with Sony's WH-1000XM6 headphones, as tested.
Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of exceptional sound quality and sleek design with Sony's WH-1000XM6 headphones. These bad boys are a game-changer, boasting a sophisticated look that's more akin to recycled paper than high-tech gear.
Unboxing this over-ear, noise-cancelling, and hands-free masterpiece is just the beginning. The sound quality, battery life, and overall experience will have you hooked. But be prepared to shell out around 450 euros for the privilege.
Quality Everywhere You Look
The XM6's design is nothing short of sleek. It collapses neatly, feels top-notch, and fits perfectly in its slim, magnetically-closed box. Setting them up is a breeze—either through the app or via Bluetooth settings. The USB-C port is just for charging; you can still use a wired connection when the battery dies.
Once set up, the headphones transport you to auditory paradises. Rich bass, clear mids, crisp highs, and balanced sound all come together for a listening experience that's nothing short of sublime. While the app offers an equalizer for further adjustments, it's not essential except for hardcore audiophiles. Whether you're into heavy metal, electronic music, Italo-pop, or orchestral pieces, it all sounds fantastic—save for some old niche digital albums that might struggle to keep up.
Navigating the controls is a breeze. You'll be swiping and tapping the right earcup for play, pause, volume control, and skipping songs. It works well most of the time, though it can be somewhat unpredictable at times. The XM6's unpredictability adds a touch of quirkiness to an otherwise polished experience.
Silence, but for a Price
The noise cancellation, already excellent in the WH-1000XM5, is improved yet again in the XM6. You can almost completely shut out the world if you so desire. A loud laptop, pen clicks—all gone. Even train wheels and airplane engines are largely muffled. The only exception is deeper tones, which remain somewhat audible but are otherwise impressively filtered out.
The transparency mode is also a success, allowing you to remain connected to the outside world while jamming out to your tunes or podcasts. And when it comes to comfort, the XM6 passes with flying colors—pun intended. They're comfortable enough to wear for long periods, with a snug fit that doesn't budge once adjusted correctly, save for occasional pressure on the temples that might require a break now and then.
Battery Life and Call Quality: Impressive
The battery life is nothing short of impressive, lasting what feels like an eternity without needing a recharge. Call quality is excellent too, with clear, understandable voices on both ends—though callers might sometimes complain about muffled sounds or faint wind noise. Whether it's the network or the headphones, it's anyone's guess.
The "Sound Connect" App: A Double-Edged Sword
The "Sound Connect" app for Android and iOS is a mixed bag. On the one hand, it's designed to help the XM6 reach its full potential, with features like sound profiles, equalizer settings, and more. On the other hand, it collects an extensive amount of data, raising privacy concerns. While much of it can be explained by the app's features, those who are data-conscious can simply connect the headphones via the Bluetooth menu. It may not be as convenient, but it gets the job done.
Should You Upgrade or Opt for Something Else?
The XM6 is a fantastic upgrade, setting standards in sound, noise cancellation, comfort, and battery life. However, those who already have the XM5 won't notice a major difference, especially in terms of Bluetooth stability and bass quality, making an upgrade unnecessary.
For potential buyers in the market for premium headphones, the XM6 is definitely worth considering, alongside big names like Sennheiser, Apple, Bose, and JBL. In the end, it all boils down to comfort and budget.
- Despite the XM6's sleek design, it's surprising how well it accommodates modern gadgets like smartphones and tablets, demonstrating the seamless blend of technology and style.
- The Sony WH-1000XM6 doesn't just immerse you in top-notch sound quality; it also reaffirms the connection between technology and an enhanced listening experience, making it a must-have gadget for any music lover.
